Anorexia athletica is the term for disordered eating in which exercise is used to control weight and training is compulsively placed above rest, commitments and social contacts. Unlike anorexia nervosa it is no separate medical diagnosis but describes a pattern of excessive training, strict control of food and strong fear of gaining weight that can turn into an eating disorder.

As a model, fitness is part of your job, but when missing a workout causes anxiety, when you put training before jobs, sleep or friends, or when your body reacts with exhaustion, frequent injuries or a missing period, that is a warning sign and not a sign of discipline. As an influencer, keep in mind that training and nutrition content gets copied quickly and creates pressure. You can also get free, confidential advice on the German helpline of the Federal Institute for Public Health at 0221 892031, available Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm and Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

See also: Anorexia, SkinnyTok, Body Positivity.